"This high quality production proves that verbatim theatre can be engaging, intelligent, even-handed and really good fun if it is done as well as this." BRITISH THEATRE GUIDE. Read more here..."Where this production stands strong is in its actors, producing a real chemistry on stage and often highly charged and truthful performances. Stephanie Street’s performance as youth worker Aneesa is superb and probably the stand out performance of the night." THE PUBLIC REVIEWS. Read more here...
"Overall, though, this is a brilliant evening’s entertainment, and a triumph for both the Octagon and Out of Joint. If you fancy being challenged and uplifted, as well as being asked to think about problems that exist on all of our doorsteps, then a visit to this gem of play is a must." WHAT'S ON STAGE. Read more here...
"this is a brave piece which doesn’t back away from any dark corners, and few of the characters emerge unscathed. The Octagon can be proud to be holding the world premiere of plays like this." THE BOLTON NEWS. Read more here...
"A large number of the original LAMDA students who worked on the piece are in the current cast and give very convincing performances as street-wise northern working-class teens with shocking tales to tell. Max Stafford-Clark directs the 13-strong ensemble with his customary verve and energy, making for an entertaining and thought provoking evening of theatre." UK THEATRE NET. Read more here...
"the issues raised are not confined to Burnley and this play is an honest, constructive and well-intentioned portrayal of the social, emotional and educational cost to be paid by communities that are abandoned by capitalism." BURNLEY EXPRESS. Read more here...
"While most people tend to choose their words carefully, when discussing the concerns facing modern Burnley, this intelligent and well-crafted drama boldly confronts them head on...[Max Stafford-Clark] has fashioned community theatre at its best here, but Mixed Up North has much more to say to a wider audience than the average theatre's white, middle-class, middle-aged customers" LANCASHIRE EVENING POST. Read more here...
"It's common for plays to come with some form of post-show discussion between cast and audience. But Robin Soans's documentary-drama turns this format on its head." THE GUARDIAN. Read more here...
"While most people tend to choose their words carefully, when discussing the concerns facing modern Burnley, this intelligent and well-crafted drama boldly confronts them head on...[Max Stafford-Clark] has fashioned community theatre at its best here, but Mixed Up North has much more to say to a wider audience than the average theatre's white, middle-class, middle-aged customers" LANCASHIRE EVENING POST. Read more here...
"It's common for plays to come with some form of post-show discussion between cast and audience. But Robin Soans's documentary-drama turns this format on its head." THE GUARDIAN. Read more here...
Transcript of the review from CLITHEROE ADVERTISER:
Mixed Up North is a clever title for this play written by Robin Soans and directed by Max Stafford Clark, a joint production from Bolton’s Octagon Theatre and Out of Joint. The plot concerns several Burnley teenagers, part of a youth theatre group. These young people are from a variety of ethnic backgrounds and we follow their experiences and those of the social and community workers who help them. The stories they tell are based on real testimonies given by people who went through the troubles that tore Burnley apart in 2001 and the attempts to foster conciliation and understanding since then.
As someone who came to live in the Burnley area in 1972 I identified with many of the references and I have known many who have felt anguish at the loss of a sense of community and employment opportunities. However, this play speaks of problems that extend far beyond one northern town. There are many others that share the same history and contemporary difficulties. If this gives the impression that the play is gloomy, then I must stress that is not the case. Much of it is laugh-out-loud funny. I won’t ever forget the comment from one character about how the word brainstorming might be politically incorrect for epileptics and has to be replaced with thought-showering.
There are many poignant moments as each of the characters reveal personal stories of abuse, pain and anguish, leavened with humour and real concern. The youthful cast are lively and their warmth is engaging. The production is well paced, although the second act is, perhaps just a little too long. I came out of the theatre having laughed, learned and empathised. That is what good drama should do. If you can’t catch it at the Octagon, it’s coming to Stoneyhurst on 19 October. The Octagon’s next production is Miller’s All My Sons.
